Community Outreach Program

At MCPAWS, we recognize that the deep connection humans have with pets transcends socio-economic and geographic boundaries. We firmly believe that no one should be denied the opportunity to experience the benefits and joy that come from the human-animal bond.

In service to these beliefs, we’ve established our Community Outreach Program. The goal of this lifesaving program is to keep pets in loving homes (and out of the shelter!) by reducing financial barriers families may face when attempting to provide pets with basic veterinary care. We’re so proud to offer the following:

No cost spay/neuter services

No cost or low cost vaccinations

Low cost dog microchipping

Free cat microchipping

Support services for community cat caretakers

Pet Food Bank

This program is funded primarily through a generous grant from the Forever Idaho Southwest Fund of the Idaho Community Foundation, Maddie’s Fund, and from private donations to our Community Outreach Fund. Pet owners must provide proof of low-income status in order to obtain services.

Community Spay/Neuter Clinics are typically held on the second Tuesday of each month. We begin accepting appointments at 11:30am two weeks before the upcoming clinic. Space is limited and clinics fill up fast so plan ahead!

Pet Food Bank

We offer free pet food to pet owners in need. If you need pet food, please stop by the shelter. If you would like to help support the pet food bank, we are always accepting donations of dog and cat food, and cat litter.

Training & Behavior

Having training or behavior problems? Does your kitty refuse to potty in her litter box? Does your dog likes to chew on the couch? MCPAWS staff members know many easy-to-apply training tips and tricks. Feel free to call the shelter and ask for assistance at any time. If we cannot solve your dilemma, you will be pointed in the direction of someone who can.

Check out the following resources on common dog and cat behavior issues!

Community Cats Program

Community cats are those that live primarily outdoors and are unsocial to humans (feral). Over 50% of MCPAWS feline intakes each year are young kittens, largely born in the field to unaltered community cats. In response, MCPAWS has established our Community Cat Program in order to reduce these intakes and provide services to this population.

Often, community cats come together to live in colonies. Our program aims to work with individual in our community who are already providing care for these cats, by providing free spay/neuter surgeries and vaccinations. All free-roaming, community cats (feral) qualify for surgery and no proof of low-income is required.

Are you caring for a colony of feral cats? Give us a call! We will lend you traps, help with transportation, and spay/neuter feral cats and kittens are re-release them back to your colony free of charge.

The Difference Between Stray Cats and Community Cats

A community cat is a primarily outdoor cat and unsocial to people (feral). The ASPCA defines a stray cat as someone’s pet who has become lost or who has been abandoned.

Stray cats are usually tame and comfortable around people (e.g. rubbing against legs, purring, and meowing).

Community cats are notably quiet, keep their distance, and will not allow humans to pet or handle them.

Stray cats will often try to make a home near humans (e.g. in a garage or on a front porch).